Rock Island Island Library patrons now have access to more than 30,000 films in digital form, thanks to a new subscription service. Kanopy, an on-demand film streaming service, is now available for free to Rock Island Library cardholders, thanks to a start-up grant from the Rock Island Public Library Foundation. Patrons of the Rock Island Library can stream thousands of thoughtful films, courtesy of their Rock Island Library card.

Rock Island is the only public library in the Quad Cities that offers Kanopy to its patrons.  Anyone with a valid Rock Island Library card can sign up to start streaming films on demand. Films can be streamed from any computer, Smart TV, mobile device or platform by downloading the Kanopy app for iOS, Android, AppleTV, Chromecast or Roku. Cardholders get 10 credits each month, and three days to watch each film. Play credits refresh on the first day of each month

Offering what the New York Times calls “a garden of cinematic delights,” Kanopy showcases more than 30,000 of the world’s best films, including award-winning documentaries, rare and hard-to-find titles, film festival favorites, indie and classic films, and world cinema. Participating production companies include Kino Lorber world cinema, Music Box Films, Samuel Goldwyn, The Orchard, The Great Courses, PBS and thousands of independent filmmakers.

With the motto of "thoughtful entertainment," Kanopy provides Rock Island patrons with access to films of unique social and cultural value; films that are often difficult or impossible to access elsewhere, and programming that features diversity, with a wide array of foreign language films and films on race, and current affairs. The library's subscription also includes access to Kanopy Kids, which offers educational content for ages preschool and up with age-based ratings from Common Sense Media.

We're so pleased that special Foundation funding allowed us to add Kanopy to our already robust collection of digital content," said Amy Sisul, Rock Island Library Reference and Adult Services Manager. "Besides providing viewing options not found in OverDrive or Hoopla Digital video content, we're looking forward to using Kanopy for programming and discussion opportunities.

The Kanopy collection includes indie hits like Hunt For the Wilderpeople and 2 Days in Paris, classic masterpieces like Aguirre, the Wrath of God and Seven Samurai, popular titles, such as Lady Bird, Loving Vincent, and Moonlight, and award-winning documentaries like the 2017 Oscar®-nominated I Am Not Your Negro and Sundance Film Festival winner Mother of George. Special Kanopy collections, such as March Women's History Month films, highlight films of topical or current interest. 

The first time patrons visit the Rock Island Kanopy site, they will create an account, and verify their email with Kanopy. Email verification is a one-time process. To get started, follow the Movies and Music link under "Books, Music, and Movies" at the library website.  Rock Island Library cards are available at no additional charge to residents of Rock Island and the Milan-Blackhawk Area Public Library District.

For more information about Library services and events, visit the library website or call 309-732-READ.